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This is a truly exceptional example of this kind of box. The figuring
of the amboina is very striking and contrasts with the framing of
ebony inlaid with the mother of pearl and white metal decoration.
Amboina wood is the highly prised and beautifully mottled wood of a
tree (genus Pterocarpus) of Amboina and the East Indies |
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The side handles are in the "militery manner" and are flush wit the
sides when not in use. |
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Detail of corner showing the fine mother of pearl inlay
and the gadrooned edging. Gadrooning is turned on the lathe. |
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Detail of the mother of pear and ebony inlay in the centre of
the top panel. |
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| The leather writing surface is framed with ebony. The leather is not
perfect as can be seen in the picture on the right. However it is of exceptional
quality and in our view should not be replaced. |
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| The gold tooling and the inner embossed tooling on the writing table
is of very high quality |
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| There is a secret compartment with three drawers under the inkwells
and pen tray. This is concealed by a sprung panel which is released by
pressing up the division next to the right inkwell. The inside is completly
lined with satinwood. The drawers are also made of satinwood. |
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The writing box is in very good condition. It retains its original
inkwells and has a working lock and key. The pentray is solid satinwood
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The gadrrooned edgings give a three dimensional quality to this box. |
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The facings in ebony contrast with the light coloured satinwood. Another
sign of quality is the beading run on all the edges. |
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Under the writing tablet are compartments for storing paper.
This is lined with satinwood. Satinwood is from a West Indian tree (Zanthothoxylum
flavum) of the rue family. It is noted for its fine textured golden
yellow wood.
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Close up of the beautifuly figured amboina.
Amboina wood is the highly prised and beautifully mottled wood of a
tree (genus Pterocarpus) of Amboina and the East Indies. |
